Sunday July 20th. 2008
Feast Days of the Week
.Mary Magdalen (Monday)I s the beautiful example in the Gospels of how the gentleness and compassion of Christ can change the life of even the greatest sinner. She was privileged to share a place at the foot of the cross, and on the day of Our Lord’s resurrection, when the apostles had returned home after viewing the empty tomb, she remained and witnessed the living Christ.
St James (Friday) was the brother of St. John, and both they and St. Peter were invited by Our Lord to accompany him to the top of mountain on the day of the Transfiguration, and also to the Garden of Gethsemani to comfort him in the hours before his Passion.
St. Joachim and St. Ann (Saturday) –By tradition Joachim and Anne are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence of this or of any elements of their lives, including their names. They were chosen specially by God to provide a mother for his Son who took his flesh from her virginal body.
.Mary Magdalen (Monday)I s the beautiful example in the Gospels of how the gentleness and compassion of Christ can change the life of even the greatest sinner. She was privileged to share a place at the foot of the cross, and on the day of Our Lord’s resurrection, when the apostles had returned home after viewing the empty tomb, she remained and witnessed the living Christ.
St James (Friday) was the brother of St. John, and both they and St. Peter were invited by Our Lord to accompany him to the top of mountain on the day of the Transfiguration, and also to the Garden of Gethsemani to comfort him in the hours before his Passion.
St. Joachim and St. Ann (Saturday) –By tradition Joachim and Anne are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence of this or of any elements of their lives, including their names. They were chosen specially by God to provide a mother for his Son who took his flesh from her virginal body.
They are the patron saints of grandparents, having Jesus as their grandson!
An emotional family gathering
Three years ago. Jimmy Keenan had the joy of meeting his sister, Betty Shury, for the very first time at a family reunion in Blackpool. He was joined by his other sister, Margaret Rarig, who travelled from a America for the occasion, . and his brother Donald, from London, plus Jimmy’s own family. It was a wonderful an truly emotional moment for Jimmy and an unforgettable evening to have the whole family together for the first time.
Sadly, his intense joy was turned to intense grief, for his sister Betty took ill during the night and gently passed away. They had known each other only for a few hours. It was such a tragedy for all the family, especially for Jimmy, but their faith gave them hope and comfort.
They gathered together in Roy Bridge last week with Betty’s ashes, and we had a moving service at Cille Choirill where her ashes were interred in the grave of her parents on Friday afternoon. May God comfort all the family, and may Betty’s good soul rest in peace.
An emotional family gathering
Three years ago. Jimmy Keenan had the joy of meeting his sister, Betty Shury, for the very first time at a family reunion in Blackpool. He was joined by his other sister, Margaret Rarig, who travelled from a America for the occasion, . and his brother Donald, from London, plus Jimmy’s own family. It was a wonderful an truly emotional moment for Jimmy and an unforgettable evening to have the whole family together for the first time.
Sadly, his intense joy was turned to intense grief, for his sister Betty took ill during the night and gently passed away. They had known each other only for a few hours. It was such a tragedy for all the family, especially for Jimmy, but their faith gave them hope and comfort.
They gathered together in Roy Bridge last week with Betty’s ashes, and we had a moving service at Cille Choirill where her ashes were interred in the grave of her parents on Friday afternoon. May God comfort all the family, and may Betty’s good soul rest in peace.
World Youth Day Rally. Pope Benedict will have a special message for all the youth to take back home, reminding them of the central theme of the Rally which is:
“You have received the power of Holy Spirit. You will be his witnesses to the very ends of the earth.”
If you have Sky TV, you will be able to see recordings of the World Youth Rally. Sydney is nine hours ahead of us. Just key in 769 which gives you EWTN, the American Catholic Channel which is transmitting the visit of the Holy Father in full.
Friday: An open air Stations of the Cross took place, with Australia Youths enacting the scenes from Our Lord’s Passion.
Saturday: 250,000 youths joined Pope Benedict for a Vigil Mass under the stars. It was a joyful event with music, candlelight processions, a homily by the Holy Father, and time for Eucharistic adoration. There was a vigil of prayer, reflection and adoration well into the night in preparation for Pope Benedict’s Final Mass on Sunday at 10 a.m. The pilgrim youths slept out under the stars at Randwick Race Course where over 500,000 people were expected to attend the mass on Sunday. This will be the largest gathering of people in the history of Australia, and will be the high point of the
Saturday: 250,000 youths joined Pope Benedict for a Vigil Mass under the stars. It was a joyful event with music, candlelight processions, a homily by the Holy Father, and time for Eucharistic adoration. There was a vigil of prayer, reflection and adoration well into the night in preparation for Pope Benedict’s Final Mass on Sunday at 10 a.m. The pilgrim youths slept out under the stars at Randwick Race Course where over 500,000 people were expected to attend the mass on Sunday. This will be the largest gathering of people in the history of Australia, and will be the high point of the
Programme of the Holy Father’s Visit
Tuesday, July 15: Cardinal Pell celebrated afternoon mass, with all the youth present, at Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour. The highlight was the arrival of the World Youth Day Cross that had travelled round the world. This was followed by a concert in the evening.
Catechesis: From Wednesday to Friday, the Youths were divided into groups to learn more about their faith, and to share their own faith experiences with one another.
Catechesis: From Wednesday to Friday, the Youths were divided into groups to learn more about their faith, and to share their own faith experiences with one another.
Outdoor Concert: This took place on Wednesday evening with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Sydney Chamber Choir.
Thursday: Pope Benedict was welcomed at Barangaroo. Sydney Harbour, with a liturgical service of readings, and an address by the Holy Father.